Tuskegee provost William L. Lester dies
Wednesday, February 08, 2006

William L. Lester, long-time provost at Tuskegee University, died Monday evening.

Lester worked at Tuskegee for 37 years, serving as the school's provost, or chief academic officer, for the past 20 years. He was credited with developing numerous proposals that resulted in awards of more than $34 million to the university, according to a story posted on the university's Web site Tuesday.

Lester began his career at Tuskegee in 1968 as a mathematics instructor. He held various positions at the school and was named provost in 1984.

University President Benjamin F. Payton praised Lester as a man he depended upon to take charge when he was away.

"Whenever it has been necessary to designate someone to serve as second-in-command, Dr. Lester was the person I always chose," said Payton.

He is survived by his wife, Virda Kellum Lester; and two daughters, Cynthia Lester-Hobson of Tuskegee and Adrienne Lester-King of Birmingham.

E-mail: cdean@bhamnews.com